Defense Space Activities: Status of Reorganization
Abstract
The United States depends on space technology for a variety of national security activities as well as commercial operations. Space technology is integral to such diverse activities as transportation, health, the environment, communications, commerce, agriculture, and energy. However, the commercial, scientific, and military importance of U.S. space assets creates vulnerabilities that potential adversaries could exploit. Addressing these vulnerabilities presents challenges for the national security space community. As you know, the Congress has had long-standing concerns about the Department of Defense's organization and management of national security space activities, including the lack of a focal point for space policy, inadequate department-level oversight, inadequate coordination between military and intelligence organizations, lack of defined responsibilities for space programs, and insufficient responsiveness to space systems users. The Congress chartered the Commission to Assess United States National Security Space Management and Organization to assess the organization and management of space activities that support U.S. national security interests and make recommendations for improvements. The present Secretary of Defense, prior to his assuming his current position, led the commission, known as the Space Commission.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 26, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA403821
Entities
People
- Carol R. Schuster
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office